WILLEY RANCH OUTFITTERS HISTORY

Casey’s Story

Growing up in rural Idaho on his parent’s farm during a time when kids were taught and expected to help with daily chores – Casey was no exception. Starting at an early age, operating tractors, setting irrigation tubes, and doing whatever needed to be done – was his way of life.

While other’s enjoyed sports and extra curricular activities, Casey spent all of his free time helping his dad run the farm. Casey never gave it a second thought, he LOVED being on the farm, and couldn’t wait for school to get out so he could get on that tractor. He learned one of life’s most valuable lessons that continues to serve him well to this day - - having a strong work ethic.

One of the greatest compliments a person can receive is the admiration and respect of others – something Casey has already achieved. While he would have been content to spend the rest of his life working the farm - a chance meeting early on, would change his direction forever.

Casey’s dad, Larry Kuenzli met Del Davis in the spring of 1982. Del was looking for someone to help clear out the dilapidated road into his Willey Ranch, and Larry owned a D4 dozer that was perfect for the job. One thing led to another and Larry loaded up the D4. He then made the trip into the ranch where he would spend several days repairing the road, damaged and made impassable due to a bad spring run off. For payment, Del took Larry on an elk hunt where he killed a large 6 point bull. Larry was hooked and a lifelong friendship was forged. Larry also happened to own a Super Cub 2-seater airplane that was able to fly in and out of the Reed Ranch, up on the South Fork, near Del’s Wiley Ranch. Soon, these trips became a monthly excursion - supplying Del and his wife Bonnie, groceries, fuel, and whatever else they needed. He also offered to winter their horses down at the farm. After a few years, Larry decided to bring Casey along. They stayed at the ranch for a few nights, and Casey was enthralled with this new lifestyle. He had never met anyone like Del Davis. He was at once both fascinated and awestruck. Before they left, Del pulled Larry aside and said “you need to leave that boy here with me, and I’ll show him all I know about the back country.” And he surely did.

During school breaks when most boys were looking forward to the long and hazy days of summer, Casey instead, began spending every moment of free time at the ranch. Larry would fly him in and hand-deliver Casey into the teaching hands of Del Davis.

Del and Bonnie became like another set of grandparents to him. Feeling an instant connection to Bonnie, he admired her endless talents. His memories are of a very sweet, soft spoken woman. She was also the hardest worker he’d ever met. Bonnie made everything on the ranch from scratch and grew a two acre garden that Casey would help tend. During these times, Del and Casey were equally inseparable. They would toil away at the every day jobs on the ranch – milking cows, taking care of the horses, cutting hay, building fence, whatever needed to be done – the two…got done. Once the chores were done, the real education took place. Together they would head off to the river or creek to fish. Del would point out bear and elk tracks to Casey - teaching him how to read the tracks…direction, approximate size, type (bull/cow, bruin) and time of travel.

When he turned twelve that spring, Del helped Casey harvest his first bear while most boys were home watching television or playing. Like a good teacher, Del filled Casey’s head with the stories of wild adventures on the trail and at elk camp and Casey absorbed them like a sponge. While desperate to go with Del each fall, school and mama remained the priority, calling him home before the season would start. Finally at 16 years of age, he went on his first elk hunt. But by then his beloved Del was gone.

Buzz Davis, Del’s son - had decided to take over the pack outfit. While deeply missing his true friend, confidant and teacher, Casey moved forward working for Buzz as a wrangler, soaking up everything he could teach him. It was back breaking work, but his strong work ethic would serve him well. He was always the first one up in the morning – making sure all of the horses and mules were saddled – well before Buzz and the hunters had even had their first cup of coffee.

After several years – beginning with Del, Bonnie and continuing with Buzz – Casey’s dream came true. Buzz decided to hang up the spurs and offered the outfit to Casey.

After Del died, the ranch burned, and Bonnie moved to McCall where she would later pass on as well. Knowing and respecting the gift in life he had received, Casey continued to travel to the ranch to visit his friend’s grave. He did it out of admiration, respect and unselfish appreciation. That’s Casey.

Today, his home is adorned with the precious memorabilia of his time with Del and Bonnie. Where others may see snow shoes, saddles and bridles Casey observes honor. A large black and white picture of Del reminds him each day of the tough, gritty, yet soft-hearted cowboy who would change his life forever.